A Chicago Commuter Legend Rolls Into Preservation: Meet Metra F40C #614
- trp162
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
We're thrilled to share some incredible news out of the Midwest rail preservation world—Metra has officially donated F40C diesel locomotive #614 to the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM)!
This isn’t just any diesel. It’s a rare and iconic piece of Chicago commuter rail history, and it’s now the only preserved F40C in existence. For railfans who grew up watching these stainless-steel beasts roar out of Union Station, this donation is a dream come true.
Built in May 1974 by Electro-Motive Division (EMD), F40C #614 originally wore the number 54 for the Milwaukee Road. Designed specifically for Chicago’s suburban commuter lines to Fox Lake and Elgin, the F40Cs were heavy-hauling, six-axle locomotives that carried
thousands of passengers each day on what are now Metra's North and West lines. Just 15 of these units were ever built, and now—thanks to Metra and the Illinois Railway Museum—one has been saved.
After decades of service (with a second wind in the 2000s), #614 was stored in 2012. In December 2024, Metra reached out to IRM with an offer to donate this historic unit, and IRM gladly accepted. The locomotive will soon arrive in Union, Illinois, where it will be restored and—eventually—run again for the public.
The restoration won’t be easy. METX 614 is missing several key components, including its turbocharger, aftercoolers, radiators, and diode banks. But IRM is confident, and so are we.
This Roast Supports the Rail
At Railfan Coffee Works, we're proud to announce that this is a project we are directly supporting.
Every bag of our Metra F40C Diesel Medium Roast coffee helps fuel this restoration—literally. Profits from this roast are donated to the Illinois Railway Museum’s efforts to bring METX 614 back to life.
So whether you’re a Chicago-area commuter rail die-hard or just someone who loves the hum of EMD prime movers, this is your chance to sip something strong and support something stronger: preservation.
🔥 Buy the roast. Back the project. And help us save METX 614.
Want to help beyond the cup?👉 Click here to support the restoration of Metra F40C 614 directly
Because some locomotives are too special to fade away quietly. Let's make sure #614 rides again
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